In just six days, the Brooklyn Nets final first round pick will be determined, and the stakes could not be any higher. For the first time since moving to Brooklyn, the Nets will select within the lottery. With the sixth overall odds at the first overall pick, the Nets will be walking into next Monday, May 12th with a 37.2% chance at a top four pick and a 9% chance of landing the number one overall pick. Over the past six seasons, the sixth overall pick odds have not jumped between 1st-5th once, leaving Brooklyn in a position to likely be drafting 6th-9th. With that being said, here are 30 of the top prospects Brooklyn should look into with their league high FIVE 2025 draft picks:

• 1. Cooper Flagg (6’9 | Forward | Duke)

Cooper Flagg is the golden ticket of this year’s draft class with some considering him as a generational prospect. The Maine Event reclassified into the 2025 draft class and is one of the three youngest prospects this year. At Duke, Flagg led the entire team in every major statistical category, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists 1.4 blocks and 1.4 steals per game. With a freshman year considered to be one of the greatest in college basketball history, Flagg also won awards such as the Naismith National Player of the Year, the Wooden Award and the AP Player of the Year award. Flagg joins a short list which includes Kevin Durant (2007), Anthony Davis (2012) and Zion Williamson (2019). Though not as flashy of a scorer as the three names above, the most effective aspect of Flagg’s game is centered around his defensive ability, his IQ and the maturity to his game at just 19 years old. Defensively, Flagg is likely the best player we’ve seen coming out of college since Kawhi Leonard who has went on to become a multi-time champion, a multi-time Finals MVP and defensive player of the year. Able to guard the 1-5, Flagg’s versatility as a defender allows him to guard the perimeter, the paint and stop fast breaks at an elite level. For a player who averaged 19 points, which may not seem like a lot, proved to be a high-level scorer simply based on the fact that he rarely seems to force his shots. With the IQ to find his spots, find the open man and defensively guard anyone that’s in front of him, Flagg may just be the best American prospect since Zion Williamson.

• 2. Dylan Harper (6’6 | Guard | Rutgers)

Dylan Harper is likely the solidified second overall pick in this year’s draft after comparisons to Cade Cunningham and a monstrous freshman season catapulted the projected top five pick into the second overall spot. Though some may not agree, I personally believe Dylan Harper is the BEST fit out of any prospect in this year’s draft including Cooper Flagg. At 6’6, Harper’s skillset as a point guard only come around once every few years. Harper averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists and shot 48.4% from the field. With an elite shot making ability, crafty handles to secure good positioning and an incredible eye to find an open teammate, Harper may just be an exact replica of Detroit Pistons All-Star Cade Cunningham. Out of high school, Harper was being comped to James Harden and more recently has drawn comparisons to Cade Cunningham and Jalen Brunson. For Brooklyn, Harper makes the most sense for two reasons. First, the point guard position is likely Brooklyn’s biggest hole needed to be filled. A potential superstar level point guard at 6’6 not only solidifies Brooklyn having a perfect two-way prospect for head coach Jordi Fernandez but also provides players like Cam Thomas and Nic Claxton the playmaker they have desperately needed for their offensive games to develop. Finally, landing the best point guard prospect this year sets Brooklyn up perfectly to aim at one of the superstar caliber wings in the 2026 draft, a draft class that has TONS of high upside forwards. In the perfect world Brooklyn lands the second overall pick next Monday, Dylan Harper could be the first homegrown superstar and New Jersey native that Brooklyn has been praying for, for well over a decade.

• 3. Jeremiah Fears (6’4 | Guard | Oklahoma)

Jeremiah Fears has become my personal most realistic draft option for Brooklyn. Not many times does a young point guard lead a mediocre team to the March Madness tournament, yet Fears was able to lead Oklahoma to a 20-14 record, good enough to sneak into the tournament. Two recently drafted point guards have similar stories, Ja Morant and Trae Young who led their below average college basketball teams to the March Madness tournament and went on to be stars in the NBA. Like Cooper Flagg, Jeremiah Fears reclassified into the 2025 Draft class, making him one of the five youngest players to be drafted this year. Fears averaged 17.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists as a freshman. Though the efficiency from three needs a bit of work, Fears showed exactly why he can be a cornerstone piece for an NBA franchise. At 6’4, Fears was able to showcase his defensive upside where he averaged 1.6 steals per game while also not shying away from taking big time shots. For Brooklyn, with the history of the 6th overall pick odds, Jeremiah Fears is likely to be the most realistic option for Sean Marks and the rebuilding Nets. With a work ethic not many can compare to, a style of play that screams ‘Brooklyn Grit’ with a hungry winning mentality, be prepared for Brooklyn to select this potential All-Star in the making come June’s draft night.

• 4. Ace Bailey (6’10 | Forward | Rutgers)

One of the highest upsides yet lowest floor prospects in recent years, Ace Bailey could be the steal of this year’s NBA Draft class if properly developed. At 6’10, the lengthy and versatile wing showed flashes of pre-injury Tracey McGrady. With a ridiculous ability to knock down difficult shots, Bailey has received comparisons to high school Michael Porter Jr, Kevin Durant and Tracey McGrady. As one of the premier three level scoring threats, Bailey has the upside to be a future superstar if placed in the right situation. During his freshman year at Rutgers, Bailey averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and shot 46% from the field. Though the numbers look great, Bailey’s questionable IQ in terms of shot selection, playmaking and ability to recover on defense has raised the question on whether or not he will translate well within the NBA. For Brooklyn, Ace could be the superstar project Sean Marks and Jordi Fernandez are willing to take the risk on. With elite athleticism, rim protection and shot making ability from any spot on the floor, Bailey could very well take a season or two to fully develop but a fully developed Ace Bailey could be seen as a solidified future superstar. If Ace was to be selected by Brooklyn, the Nets would likely need the third or fourth overall pick to be in a position to do so.

• 5. Derik Queen (6’9 | Center | Maryland)

Derik Queen is one of the more interesting prospects in this year’s draft class. As a 20-year-old freshman, Queen showcased an elite level of shot creation and ball handling for a big man. Though defensively he is not great, his offensive upside has been compared to Houston Rockets All-Star big man Alperen Sengun. At Maryland, Queen averaged 16.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists and shot 52.6% from the field. Queen is something Brooklyn has never seen at the center position. In recent years, the Nets have dealt a plethora of starting big men who really can’t seem to develop the offensive game necessary to provide long-term starting minutes. With the degression of Nic Claxton’s offensive game and Day’Ron Sharpe’s restricted free agency in doubts, Queen could provide the Nets with a big man duo that can co-exist amongst one another. Queen’s defense is a bit problematic, likely making him a power forward within the NBA depending on where teams see him fit best. For Brooklyn, if they decide to keep one of Day’Ron Sharpe or Nic Claxton, playing them at the center position and moving Queen to the power forward position could be seen as beneficial. After all, the NBA is leaning more to a two big man scheme rather than small ball.

• 6. VJ Edgecombe (6’4 | Guard | Baylor)

VJ Edgecombe took the eyes of scouts early last year while playing for the Bahamas Olympic National team. At just 17 years old, Edgecombe was one of the main pieces that led the Bahamas during the summer Olympic tournament. With out of this world athleticism, Edgecombe quickly became an eye for many to watch as he’d be walking into Baylor as a freshman. Though a rough start to his college career, Edgecombe was able to bounce back, averaging 15.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.1 steals while shooting 43.6% from the field. Edgecombe may be the best two-way guard in this class as he was able to lead Baylor to the March Madness tournament where he showcased his elite defensive ability and downhill athleticism. Though not a perfect fit in Brooklyn due to undersized shooting guard Cam Thomas, Edgecombe would likely be a developmental piece in year one as Brooklyn would begin to look into Cam Thomas’s future. The two likely cannot co-exist but the upside of Edgecombe as a two-way guard has been compared to Anthony Edwards. For Brooklyn who has struggled to find any growth on the defensive end for Cam Thomas, Edgecombe could quickly be considered Thomas’s replacement not only due to upside but also due to Jordi Fernandez’s style of play.

• 7. Khaman Maluach (7’2 | Center | Duke)

Khaman Maluach is the second highest upside prospect next to Ace Bailey. At 7’2, Maluach started playing the game of basketball at just 16 years old. With a rawness to his game similar to Joel Embiid, who started playing basketball at 14 years old, Maluach showcased an elite level of rim protection along with efficient offensive ability. The hidden aspect to Maluach’s game is his ability to space the floor. With comparisons to a higher upside Mark Williams, Maluach averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks while shooting 71.2% from the field. Though the stats don’t scream lottery pick, Maluach’s upside and limited role at Duke will likely make him a high priority developmental piece wherever he lands. For Brooklyn, Maluach would be the first seven-footer drafted during the Sean Marks era and the upside as a dominate rim protector and floor spacer could be an intriguing pick for the Nets if they fall between picks 7-9.

• 8. Kon Knueppel (6’7 | Forward | Duke)

Though Nets fans may not be blown away by Knueppel nor was I, Knueppel proved to be the most VALUABLE second or third option within this draft. With a game almost identical to Klay Thompson, Knueppel showcased elite two-way ability. Though Knueppel will likely never be your first or second option on a contending team, Knueppel could be valuable as an Austin Reaves or Klay Thompson like third option. At Duke, Knueppel averaged 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game while shooting 47.9% from the field and 40.9% from three. Knueppel has proven to be the best three-point shooter in this year’s draft while also proving to be NBA ready and a major contributor to whichever team selects him. During Cooper Flagg’s ankle injury, Knueppel stepped up averaging over 20 points per game within the two games missed from Flagg. Of course, it isn’t a flashy pick and is more fitting for teams like the 76ers, Spurs and Rockets but for Brooklyn, Knueppel could be seen as an extremely valuable asset in hopes of landing a top three pick next year.

• 9. Carter Bryant (6’8 | Forward | Arizona)

Carter Bryant is an interesting prospect in terms of upside. With an already NBA ready build, Bryant has a ton of untapped potential as a two-way monster. In his senior year of high school, Bryant averaged 25 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and over two blocks per game. The upside is there but with a limited role in college, Bryant averaged just 6.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and one block per game on 46% shooting and 37.1% from three. The stats don’t tell the full story and for Bryant depending on the team that drafts him, Bryant could be seen as a two-year developmental prospect with high upside. Bryant is an unlikely Nets target unless Brooklyn can trade up into picks that range between 12-15.

• 10. Thomas Sorber (6’10 | Center | Georgetown)

Like Jeremiah Fears, Thomas Sorber has become one of my personal favorite prospects. A New Jersey native, Sorber had an incredible freshman season at Georgetown before an unfortunate season ending foot surgery sidelined the big man for the remainder of the season. In 24 games, Sorber averaged 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2 blocks and 1.5 steals per game. Sorber to me is a higher upside version of Derik Queen. For those who may question this, Sorber has proven to be dominate on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor. Though not as gifted in terms of ball handling and floor spacing, Sorber’s paint presence, playmaking ability, mid-range shooting and defensive ability are all aspects that could be developed into an elite level. For Brooklyn, Sorber could be the long-term solution at the big man position. Unlike current Nets big men Nic Claxton and Day’Ron Sharpe, Sorber could be seen as a do it all big that can play at an elite level on both ends of the floor. Brooklyn could likely select Sorber within the 16-20 pick range which falls into the range of Brooklyn’s 19th overall pick thanks to the Milwaukee Bucks.

• 11. Egor Demin (6’9 | Guard | BYU)

Egor Demin is by far the best playmaker in this year’s draft. At 6’9, Demin could be one of the higher upside guards simply based on the versatility he brings with his height at the point guard position. At one point in time just three weeks into the college basketball season, Demin was being projected as a top five pick before a falloff in offensive production. In his freshman season at BYU, Demin averaged 10.6 points, 3.9 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game. Towards the end of the season, specifically in the March Madness Tournament, Demin elevated his game, averaging 13.7 points, 5.7 assists and 4.7 rebounds. For Brooklyn, Demin could be seen as a Josh Giddey like guard, who can develop into a do it all floor general.

• 12. Rasheer Fleming (6’9 | Forward | St. Joe’s)

Fleming is one of the most interesting upperclassmen within this draft. At 6’9 with a 7’5 wingspan, Fleming showcased an elite level of floor spacing and defensive IQ. In his junior season at St. Joe’s, Fleming averaged 14.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.5 blocks and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 53.1% from the field and 39% from three. Fleming has one of the most fluid and best shooting mechanics in this year’s class, likely being the best floor spacing power forward in the class. After watching hours of tape, Fleming could be Brooklyn’s Naz Reid and a guy who can be implemented in a role immediately. For Brooklyn, this could be the glue guy for years to come as Fleming has the potential to be one of the league’s best 3/D role players.

• 13. Nolan Traore (6’4 | Guard | France)

Nolan Traore is a prospect floating below the radar after previous high expectations this past season. At one point, Traore was projected top five with some draft analysis projecting him above Rutgers point guard Dylan Harper. Due to a rough season overseas, Traore is now projected between picks 17-23, between the range for Brooklyn at 19th overall. Traore averaged 11.1 points and 5.2 assists per game this season, but a lack of consistency and efficiency has raised some questions on whether or not he should be a lottery pick. For Brooklyn, this could be the steal of the draft if properly developed. With comparisons to Lonzo Ball, Traore provides the Nets with a playmaking defensive guard with upside and room for improvement as a scorer.

• 14. Ben Saraf (6’6 | Guard | Isreal)

Saraf is an intriguing prospect due to his ability to run an offense while also being able to play off ball. As a combo guard, Saraf has proven to be a very good playmaker, spot up shooter and is able to create his own shot at his own pace. This past season, Saraf averaged 12.8 points, 4.6 assists and shot 42% from the field. With room to improve as an efficient scorer, Saraf could be seen as a Goran Dragic like guard who can help run the half-court offense. For Brooklyn, Saraf could be a player seen as a high caliber backup point guard with the ability to run the second unit in a few years. With the potential to develop more of an all-around offensive game, Saraf remains an interesting prospect for Brooklyn at the 19th overall pick.

• 15. Noa Essengue (6’9 | Forward | France)

Noa Essengue is one of four major Frenchman who could be selected within the first round. With length and versatility, Essengue provided floor spacing and solid defensive abilities. Though a bit undersized in terms of weight, Essengue has the potential to become a major role player for any team willing to draft him. This past season overseas, Essengue averaged 12.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and shot 56% from the field. Though the three point shooting percentage was not great at a below average 29.4%, the mechanics are set in place for Essengue to improve as a floor spacer. Defensively, Essengue could be very valuable in due time as a player who can switch the 1-4 with his length and versatility. For Brooklyn, Essengue could be an interesting prospect to look into as a depth piece off the bench.

• 16. Jase Richardson (6’3 | Guard | Michigan State)

Jase Richardson, the son of former NBA star Jason Richardson has shown a skillset similar to players like CJ McCollum and Tyrese Maxey. With elite speed, floor spacing ability and defense for his size, Richardson could be seen as an impactful player for many teams. For Brooklyn, Richardson may not be seen as a perfect prospect due to his lack of size but the skillset as a 3/D point guard could be something of interest. This past season at Michigan State, Richardson averaged 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists while shooting 49.3% from the field and 41.2% from three. With this level of efficiency, Richardson could be used in a similar role to CJ McCollum once fully developed.

• 17. Will Riley (6’8 | Forward | Illinois)

If Brooklyn wants to gain some value for Cam Johnson, Will Riley could be the perfect replacement through the draft. With my personal comparisons as a Cam Johnson and Trey Murphy hybrid, Riley has the upside to be a key 3/D role player in the NBA. At Illinois, Riley showcased his abilities on both ends of the floor, whether that was his catch and shoot three, his ability to put the ball on the floor and create space or his defensive IQ and versatility. In his freshman season, Riley averaged 12.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists while shooting 43.2% from the field and 32.6% from three. Riley elevated his game during conference play and during the NCAA tournament, putting up four 15+ point games which included three 20+ point games in his final five games at Illinois.

• 18. Liam McNeeley (6’7 | Forward | UCONN)

Liam McNeeley had a rather disappointing freshman season due to injuries but doesn’t mean his upside has weakened. Coming into the season, McNeeley was projected as a top ten pick and highly touted as the best shooter within the draft class. Though likely to slip outside of the lottery now, McNeely’s floor spacing could be seen as valuable to many teams between the 14-20 pick selections. Teams such as Orlando, Oklahoma City and Minnesota are all teams that could potentially take the risk on the inconsistent freshman. For Brooklyn, the fit for McNeeley may not be best but his upside as a potential light out shooter and defender could be something to look into. McNeeley averaged 14.5 points, 6 rebounds and 2.3 assists while shooting a gruesome 38.1% from the field and 31.7% from three.

• 19. Joan Beringer (6’9 | Center | France)

Joan Beringer is probably my least favorite prospect inside this top 30 list. With underwhelming stats and performance, I have not really understood the hype and rise in draft stock for the French big man. Though I’d personally pass on him due to his undersized height as a center and lack of an elite skill to his game, Beringer has risen on draft boards as a first round pick. Repeatedly in the ranges of 20-26, Beringer could be a potential Nets prospect if he falls to the 26th or 27th pick which Brooklyn currently owns. Based on numerous reports I’ve read, Beringer looks to be a potential project with high upside as a versatile defensive big man. Only averaging 18 minutes per game, Beringer’s Per 36 stats show some potential upside as an elite shot blocker. Based on his Per 36, Beringer could average 9.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game. With no visible floor spacing ability, Beringer seems to be a smaller version of Nic Claxton. With not much to his offensive game and really only able to block shots, Beringer is another player I’d personally stay away from in this year’s draft unless available at pick 27.

• 20. Yaxel Lendeborg (6’9 | Forward | UAB)

Yet another personal upperclassman favorite, Yaxel Lendeborg is the complete package. As a senior at UAB this past season, Lendeborg recorded 17.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.8 blocks and 1.7 steals per game while shooting 52.2% from the field and 35.7% from three. Though currently committed to the University of Michigan for his fifth season, Lendeborg is currently keeping his draft eligibility open and could be a potential late first round steal. Like Rasheer Fleming, Lendeborg is a do it all power forward with incredible upside as an elite role player to a contending team. With aggressive yet elite defensive ability, an athletic build that allows him to guard the perimeter and paint while also having great vision, finishing ability and floor spacing ability for his position, Lendeborg could be seen as a plug in ready to go caliber role player for any team that drafts him. If he does follow through with the draft process and is available at picks 26 or 27, it would be absurd for Brooklyn not to select the New Jersey native.

• 21. Hugo Gonzalez (6’7 | Forward | Spain)

Hugo Gonzalez is yet another interesting overseas prospect. Previously projected as a top 20 pick, Gonzalez struggled a bit this past season with his efficiency as a scorer. Averaging 10.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists while shooting roughly 38.5% from the field and 27.4% from three, Gonzalez’s struggles did not seem to improve throughout his season with Real Madrid. For this reason, Gonzalez’s upside could still be valuable to some scouts but likely won’t be willing to take the risk on him until the late first round. For Brooklyn, Gonzalez is in a similar position as Liam McNeeley who were both recognized as potential elite floor spacers who struggled with efficiency this season. If available between Brooklyn’s late two first round picks, Gonzalez could be seen as a high upside value pick though could also take time to develop him into an NBA ready forward.

• 22. Bogoljub Markovic (6’9 | Forward | Serbia)

One of my personal favorite sleeper picks in this year’s draft, Bogoljub Markovic is a name that many should begin to get familiar with. At 6’9, Markovic has showcased a high level of floor spacing ability and athleticism for his size. This past season, the Serbian forward averaged 13.7 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists while shooting 53.8% from the field and 37% from three. How Markovic is still not being recognized could make for an absolute steal if available for Brooklyn. As a stretch four with solid playmaking and defensive abilities, Markovic could make for one of the most interesting project players within this draft class. If available at Brooklyn’s 36th overall pick, this would be an absolute steal. If Brooklyn feels Markovic has high upside, I personally would not be upset if the Nets look to select him at 26 or 27. Remember the name!

• 23. Adou Thiero (6’8 | Forward | Arkansas)

Adou Thiero began to make a name for himself as one of this year’s best upperclassmen before hyperextending his knee in late February. The junior forward played exceptional in his 27 appearances this year, averaging 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.6 steals and shot 54.5% from the field. Though inconsistent from three, Thiero showcased a skillset similar to former Net Dorian Finney-Smith. With a similar build yet more athletic and able to put the ball on the floor, Thiero could be seen as an elite plug-in role player to many teams within this draft. For Brooklyn, Thiero matches the description of a player Jordi Fernandez has mentioned wanting to build with. A gritty defensive wing who plays his role to perfection. With how many risers there are this year, Thiero could be available at Brooklyn’s 27th overall pick and potentially the 36th overall pick.

• 24. Nique Clifford (6’6 | Wing | Colorado State)

Nique Clifford had an incredible senior season at Colorado State, averaging 18.9 points, 9.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists on 49.6% shooting and 37.7% from three. Clifford really began to catch the eyes of scouts in late January where he led Colorado State to the NCAA tournament where he suffered a heartbreaking loss to Maryland thanks to Derik Queen’s buzzer beater. Though a sad way to end his college career, Clifford began to rise up draft boards and has since been recognized as one of the three best upperclassmen within this draft. At 6’6, Cllifford showcased elite levels of scoring from all areas of the floor, an elite IQ for finding rebounds and an improved playmaking ability which has brought value to his multi-positional play. Defensively, Clifford has also shown he can guard the 1-3, making him a versatile defender and immediate plug-in role player on any team who selects him.

• 25. Boogie Fland (6’2 | Guard | Arkansas)

Boogie Fland was a name I personally listed as a potential lottery pick at the beginning of the college basketball season. Ranking as high as late lottery or just outside the lottery, Fland suffered a season ending wrist injury which required surgery. Before injury, Fland was averaging 13.5 points, 5.1 assist and 3.2 rebounds while shooting 37.9% from the field and 34% from three. Though efficiency was a bit of a struggle, Fland was able to power through his rehab and played in a limited role during the NCAA tournament. With previous high praise and upside, Fland’s draft stock plummeted due to his injury and could end up as a major steal late in the first round, potentially even early in the second round. If Brooklyn is drafting based on upside, if available at 36, this is by far the clear and obvious low risk high reward prospect Brooklyn could look to take a chance on.

• 26. Isaiah Evans (6’6 | Wing | Duke)

Isaiah Evans is one of the more interesting early second round finds as he is widely recognized for having some of the best shooting mechanics within this draft class. As one of college’s best three-point shooters, Evans averaged 6.8 points on 43.2% shooting and 41.6% from three in a limited role at Duke. Evans has recommitted to Duke for a second season but has kept his draft eligibility and will go through the draft process. Though not definite, Evans could be an early second round sleeper for teams in need of a high upside 3/D wing. Evans is another player that fits the mold of what Jordi Fernandez, and the Brooklyn Nets are searching for, a winner’s mentality who plays a role on both ends of the floor. Be on the lookout to see if Evans stays in this year’s draft as Brooklyn’s 36th overall pick could have his name written all over it.

• 27. Noah Penda (6’6 | Forward | France)

Noah Penda has become widely recognized as one of this year’s elite defenders. Overseas, Penda averaged 10.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists while adding 1.4 steals per game on 44.9% shooting. Though a bit of improvement is necessary from beyond the arc, Penda also shot 31.4% from three. In just 26 minutes per game, Penda has caught the eyes of many scouts as a potential late first round or early second round prospect. Once again, Penda fits the description of a Nets cultural piece in which we have constantly heard from Sean Marks and Jordi Fernandez. Penda’s upside is seen as very high and for Brooklyn, he could be seen as a highly valuable prospect early in the second round.

• 28. Labaron Philon (6’4 | Guard | Alabama)

Labaron Philon is a very intriguing late first round point guard prospect. With tremendous upside as a two-way guard, Philon showcased some very interesting upside as both a defender, ball handler and scorer. Averaging 10.6 points, 3.8 assists and 1.4 steals while shooting 45.2% from the field in his freshman season, Philon could be seen as a Derrick White like role player at the guard position. Though his three-point shooting needs some work, Philon could be a very enticing prospect for teams like the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, Charlotte Hornets and Brooklyn Nets. It seems like I am beating a dead horse here, but Philon is yet another player who matches the description of what Brooklyn is looking for in this upcoming draft. If available in the second round, Brooklyn could look to capitalize on the upside of Philon.

• 29. Alex Toohey (6’7 | Forward | Australia)

It wouldn’t be a Brooklyn Nets big board without adding one of Sean Mark’s native Australians to the list of potential prospects. This past season in Australia’s NBL, Toohey averaged 10.6 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.4 steals. With comparisons to Bojan Bogdanovic, Toohey could be visualized as a potential solid role player off the bench. With improvements needed from three, Toohey has showcased a very fluid three-point shooting mechanic that could transition very well in the NBA. Though unlikely nor should he be taken as high as 36th overall, we all know Sean Marks doesn’t always draft based on draft rankings, most recently shown when selecting Noah Clowney in the first round even though he was projected early second round.

• 30. Drake Powell (6’6 | Wing | North Carolina)

If you’ve made it this far first and foremost, thank you for taking the time to read and learn more about Brooklyn’s potential 2025 Draft Prospects. With the final spot on this list, we look further into UNC’s Drake Powell, a former projected lottery pick who struggled with finding consistent minutes while at North Carolina. Powell was arguably the best defensive prospect heading into this year’s college basketball season but a dip in playing time caused for a major drop in draft stock. In 37 games this season, Powell averaged 7.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and shot 48.3% from the field and 37.9% from three. With very good efficiency and on-ball defensive abilities, Powell could be a major steal in this year’s second round. With a raw offensive game but an intensity that cannot be matched on the defensive end, look for Powell’s name to be called somewhere within the top ten picks of the second round. For the team who’s willing to take the risk on the project player, Powell could be seen as a smaller Herb Jones caliber player, one that can be valuable as a top tier defender and efficient floor spacer.